Possibly not. In fact few churches ever get (or take) the opportunity to grow significantly. Most, after they have started, just settle down and don’t change, or grow. Once upon a time this may have been OK (sometime before the Second World War maybe). The 1950s and 1960s upset this peaceful life as churches grew and multiplied. But that is a long time ago.
Nowadays, churches like ours are either declining or remaining stable (a precursor to decline). Some have an opportunity to grow. We do. We have a combination of factors that will help. Keen people. Only one morning congregation (no need to put a declining service to rest). The hand of God upon us. New people continually turning up to church (though not all stay – they are still trying us out).
So will it be hard work? In many ways yes. If praying is hard work. If making new friends is hard work. If making space for newcomers is hard work. If trying out different ways of doing church is hard work. If telling people about how good Jesus is, is hard work. If starting with fewer people in church, is hard work.
And any benefits? What’s in it for us? Well one of the best is to be able to sit at ringside and see God at work. To see people come to faith in Christ – that is gold. Getting a chance to stretch our spiritual muscles ... I could go on!
Dale